arXiv subjects

H. Abele

Publications and source records attributed to H. Abele.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Quantum gravitational states of ultracold neutrons as a tool for probing of beyond-Riemann gravity

We analyze a possibility to probe beyond-Riemann gravity (BRG) contributions, introduced by Kostelecky and Li (see Phys. Rev. D 103, 024059 (2021) and Phys. Rev. D 104, 044054 (2021)) on the basis of the Effective Field Theory (EFT) by Kostelecky Phys. Rev. D 69, 105009 (2004). We carry out such an analysis by calculating the BRG contributions to the transition frequencies of the quantum gravitational states of ultracold neutrons (UCNs). These states are being used for a test of interactions beyond the Standard Model (SM) and General Relativity (GR) in the qBOUNCE experiments. We improve by order of magnitude some constraints obtained by Kostelecky and Li (2106.11293 [gr-qc]).

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Probing of violation of Lorentz invariance by ultracold neutrons in the Standard Model Extension

We analyze a dynamics of ultracold neutrons (UCNs) caused by interactions violating Lorentz invariance within the Standard Model Extension (SME) (Colladay and Kostelecky, Phys. Rev. D55, 6760 (1997) and Kostelecky, Phys. Rev. D69, 105009 (2004)). We use the effective non-relativistic potential for interactions violating Lorentz invariance derived by Kostelecky and Lane (J. Math. Phys. 40, 6245 (1999)) and calculate contributions of these interactions to the transition frequencies of transitions between quantum gravitational states of UCNs bouncing in the gravitational field of the Earth. Using the experimental sensitivity of qBounce experiments we make some estimates of upper bounds of parameters of Lorentz invariance violation in the neutron sector of the SME which can serve as a theoretical basis for an experimental analysis. We show that an experimental analysis of transition frequencies of transitions between quantum gravitational states of unpolarized and polarized UCNs should allow to place some new constraints in comparison to the results adduced by Kostelecky and Russell in Rev. Mod. Phys. 83, 11 (2011); edition 2019, arXiv: 0801.0287v12 [hep-ph].

hep-ph↗

arXiv2019

Constraints on the Dark Matter Interpretation $n \rightarrow χ+ e^+ e^-$ of the Neutron Decay Anomaly with the PERKEO II experiment

Discrepancies from in-beam and in-bottle type experiments measuring the neutron lifetime are on the 4$σ$ standard deviation level. In a recent publication Fornal and Grinstein proposed that the puzzle could be solved if the neutron would decay on the one percent level via a dark decay mode, one possible branch being $n \rightarrow χ+ e^+ e^-$. With data from the \perkeoII experiment we set limits on the branching fraction and exclude a one percent contribution for $95\,\%$ of the allowed mass range for the dark matter particle.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2018

Exotic decay channels are not the cause of the neutron lifetime anomaly

Since long neutron lifetimes measured with a beam of cold neutrons are significantly different from lifetimes measured with ultracold neutrons bottled in a trap. It is often speculated that this "neutron anomaly" is due to an exotic dark neutron decay channel of unknown origin. We show that this explanation of the neutron anomaly can be excluded with a high level of confidence when use is made of new data on neutron decay parameters. Furthermore, data from neutron decay now compare well with Ft data derived from nuclear \b{eta} decays.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2016

Exact Solution for Chameleon Field, Self-Coupled Through the Ratra-Peebles Potential with n = 1 and Confined Between Two Parallel Plates

We calculate the chameleon field profile, confined between two parallel plates, filled with air at pressure $P = 10^{-4}\,{\rm mbar}$ and room temperature and separated by the distance $L$, in the chameleon field theory with Ratra--Peebles self--interaction potential with index $n = 1$. We give the exact analytical solution in terms of Jacobian elliptic functions, depending on the mass density of the ambient matter. The obtained analytical solution can be used in qBounce experiments, measuring transition frequencies between quantum gravitational states of ultracold neutrons and also for the calculation of the chameleon field induced Casimir force for the CANNEX experiment. We show that the chameleon--matter interactions with coupling constants $β\le 10^4$ can be probed by qBounce experiments with sensitivities $ΔE \le 10^{-18}\,{\rm eV}$. At $L = 30.1\,{\rm μm}$ we reproduce the result $β< 5.8\times 10^8$, obtained by Jenke {\it et al.} Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 112}, 151105 (2014)) at sensitivity $ΔE \sim 10^{-14}\,{\rm eV}$. In the vicinity of one of the plates our solution coincides with the solution, obtained by Brax and Pignol (Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 107}, 111301 (2011)) (see also Ivanov {\it et al.} Phys. Rev. D {\bf 87}, 105013 (2013)) above a plate at zero density of the ambient matter.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

A Gravity of Earth Measurement with a qBOUNCE Experiment

We report a measurement of the local acceleration $g$ with ultracold neutrons based on quantum states in the gravity potential of the Earth. The new method uses resonant transitions between the states $|1> -> |3>$ and for the first time between $|1> -> |4>$. The measurements demonstrate that Newton's Inverse Square Law of Gravity is understood at micron distances at an energy level of $10^{-14}$ eV with $\frac{Δg}{g}=4\times10^{-3}$. The results provide constraints on any possible gravity-like interaction at a micrometer interaction range. In particular, a dark energy candidate, the chameleon field is restricted to $β<6.9\times10^{6}$ for $n=2$ (95\% C.L.).

hep-ex↗

arXiv2015

Gravity experiments with ultracold neutrons and the qBounce experiment

This work focuses on the control and understanding of a gravitationally interacting elementary quantum system. It offers a new way of looking at gravitation based on quantum interference: an ultracold neutron, a quantum particle, as an object and as a tool. The ultracold neutron as a tool reflects from a mirror in well-defined quantum states in the gravity potential of the earth allowing to apply the concept of gravity resonance spectroscopy (GRS). GRS relies on frequency measurements, which provide a spectacular sensitivity.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

Neutron Interferometry constrains dark energy chameleon fields

We present phase shift measurements for neutron matter waves in vacuum and in low pressure Helium using a method originally developed for neutron scattering length measurements in neutron interferometry. We search for phase shifts associated with a coupling to scalar fields. We set stringent limits for a scalar chameleon field, a prominent quintessence dark energy candidate. We find that the coupling constant $β$ is less than 1.9 $\times10^7$~for $n=1$ at 95\% confidence level, where $n$ is an input parameter of the self--interaction of the chameleon field $φ$ inversely proportional to $φ^n$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2014

The point spread function of electrons in a magnetic field, and the decay of the free neutron

Experiments in nuclear and particle physics often use magnetic fields to guide charged reaction products to a detector. Due to their gyration in the guide field, the particles hit the detector within an area that can be considerably larger than the diameter of the source where the particles are produced. This blurring of the image of the particle source on the detector surface is described by a suitable point spread function (PSF), which is defined as the image of a point source. We derive simple analytical expressions for such magnetic PSFs, valid for any angular distribution of the emitted particles that can be developed in Legendre polynomials. We investigate this rather general problem in the context of neutron beta decay spectrometers and study the effect of limited detector size on measured neutron decay correlation parameters. To our surprise, insufficient detector size does not affect much the accuracy of such measurements, even for rather large radii of gyration. This finding can considerably simplify the layout of the respective spectrometers.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Gravity Resonance Spectroscopy Constrains Dark Energy and Dark Matter Scenarios

We report on precision resonance spectroscopy measurements of quantum states of ultracold neutrons confined above the surface of a horizontal mirror by the gravity potential of the Earth. Resonant transitions between several of the lowest quantum states are observed for the first time. These measurements demonstrate, that Newton's inverse square law of Gravity is understood at micron distances on an energy scale of~$10^{-14}$~eV. At this level of precision we are able to provide constraints on any possible gravity-like interaction. In particular, a dark energy chameleon field is excluded for values of the coupling constant~$β> 5.8\times10^8$ at~95% confidence level~(C.L.), and an attractive (repulsive) dark matter axion-like spin-mass coupling is excluded for the coupling strength $g_sg_p > 3.7\times10^{-16}$~($5.3\times10^{-16}$)~at a Yukawa length of~$λ= 20$~{\textmu}m~(95% (C.L.).

gr-qc↗

arXiv2012

R x B Drift Momentum Spectrometer

We propose a new type of momentum spectrometer, which uses the RxB drift effect to disperse the charged particles in a uniformly curved magnetic field. This kind of RxB spectrometer is designed for the momentum analyses of the decay electrons and protons in the PERC (Proton and Electron Radiation Channel) beam station, which provides a strong magnetic field to guide the charged particles in the instrument. Instead of eliminating the guiding field, the RxB spectrometer evolves the field gradually to the analysing field, and the charged particles can be adiabatically transported during the dispersion and detection. The drifts of the particles have similar properties as their dispersion in the normal magnetic spectrometer. Besides, the RxB spectrometer is especially ideal for the measurements of particles with low momenta and relative large incident angles. We present a design of the RxB spectrometer, which can be used in PERC. The resolution of the momentum spectra can reach 14.4 keV/c, if the particle position measurements have a resolution of 1 mm.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2012

A quantized frequency reference in the short-ranged gravity potential and its application for dark matter and dark energy searches

The evidence for the observation of the Higgs spin-0-boson as a manifestation of a scalar field provides the missing corner stone for the standard model of particles (SM). However, the SM fails to explain the non-visible but gravitationally active part of the universe. Its nature is unknown but the confirmation of a scalar Higgs is giving a boost to scalar-field-theories. So far gravity experiments and observations performed at different distances find no deviation from Newton's gravity law. Therefore dark energy must possess a screening mechanism which suppresses the scalar-mediated fifth force. Our line of attack is a novel gravity experiment with neutrons based on a quantum interference technique. The spectroscopic measurement of quantum states on resonances with an external coupling makes this a powerful search for dark matter and dark energy contributions in the universe. Quantum states in the gravity potential are intimately related to other scalar field or spin-0-bosons if they exist. If the reason is that some undiscovered particle interact with a neutron, this results in a measurable energy shift of quantum states in the gravity potential, because for neutrons the screening effect is absent. We use Gravity Resonance Spectroscopy to measure the energy splitting at the highest level of precision, providing a constraint on any possible new interaction. We obtain a sensitivity of 10^-14 eV. We set an experimental limit on any fifth force, in particular on parameter β<2x10^9 at n=3 for the scalar chameleon field, which is improved by a factor of 100 compared to our previous experiment and five orders of magnitude better than from precision tests of atomic spectra. The pseudoscalar axion coupling is constrained to gsgp/\hbar c<3x10^-16 at 20μm, which is an improvement by a factor of 30. These results indicate that gravity is understood at this improved level of precision.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

The influence of the chameleon field potential on transition frequencies of gravitationally bound quantum states of ultra-cold neutrons

We calculate the chameleon field potential for ultracold neutrons, bouncing on top of one or between two neutron mirrors in the gravitational field of the Earth. For the resulting non--linear equations of motion we give approximate analytical solutions and compare them with exact numerical ones for which we propose the analytical fit. The obtained solutions may be used for the quantitative analysis of contributions of a chameleon field to the transition frequencies of quantum states of ultra-cold neutrons bound in the gravitational field of the Earth.

hep-th↗

arXiv2012

Determination of the Weak Axial Vector Coupling from a Measurement of the Beta-Asymmetry Parameter A in Neutron Beta Decay

We report on a new measurement of the neutron beta-asymmetry parameter $A$ with the instrument \perkeo. Main advancements are the high neutron polarization of $P = 99.7(1)%$ from a novel arrangement of super mirror polarizers and reduced background from improvements in beam line and shielding. Leading corrections were thus reduced by a factor of 4, pushing them below the level of statistical error and resulting in a significant reduction of systematic uncertainty compared to our previous experiments. From the result $A_0 = -0.11996(58)$, we derive the ratio of the axial-vector to the vector coupling constant $λ= g_\mathrm{A}/g_\mathrm{V} = -1.2767(16)$

hep-ex↗

arXiv2009

Ramsey's Method of Separated Oscillating Fields and its Application to Gravitationally Induced Quantum Phaseshifts

We propose to apply Ramsey's method of separated oscillating fields to the spectroscopy of the quantum states in the gravity potential above a vertical mirror. This method allows a precise measurement of quantum mechanical phaseshifts of a Schrödinger wave packet bouncing off a hard surface in the gravitational field of the earth. Measurements with ultra-cold neutrons will offer a sensitivity to Newton's law or hypothetical short-ranged interactions, which is about 21 orders of magnitude below the energy scale of electromagnetism.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2008

Unrecognized Backscattering in Low Energy Beta Spectroscopy

We present studies on electron backscattering from the surface of plastic scintillator beta detectors. By using a setup of two detectors coaxial with a strong external magnetic field - one detector serving as primary detector, the other as veto-detector to detect backscattering - we investigate amount and spectrum of unrecognized backscattering, i.e. events where only one detector recorded a trigger signal. The implications are important for low energy particle physics experiments.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2007

Measurement of the Proton Asymmetry Parameter C in Neutron Beta Decay

The proton asymmetry parameter C in neutron decay describes the correlation between neutron spin and proton momentum. In this Letter, the first measurement of this quantity is presented. The result C=-0.2377(26) agrees with the Standard Model expectation. The coefficient C provides an additional parameter for new and improved Standard Model tests. From a differential analysis of the same data (assuming the Standard Model), we obtain lambda=-1.275(16) as ratio of axial-vector and vector coupling constant.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Measurement of the Neutrino Asymmetry Parameter B in Neutron Decay

A new measurement of the neutrino asymmetry parameter B in neutron decay, the angular correlation between neutron spin and anti-neutrino momentum, is presented. The result, B=0.9802(50), agrees with the Standard Model expectation and earlier measurements, and permits improved tests on ``new physics'' in neutron decay.

hep-ph↗